1. Interstitial Lung Abnormalities Detected by CT in Asbestos-Exposed Subjects Are More Likely Associated to Age
- Author
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François Laurent, Ilyes Benlala, Gael Dournes, Celine Gramond, Isabelle Thaon, Bénédicte Clin, Patrick Brochard, Antoine Gislard, Pascal Andujar, Soizick Chammings, Justine Gallet, Aude Lacourt, Fleur Delva, Christophe Paris, Gilbert Ferretti, and Jean-Claude Pairon
- Subjects
asbestos-exposition ,HRCT ,asbestosis ,Medicine - Abstract
Objective: the aim of this study was to evaluate the association between interstitial lung abnormalities, asbestos exposure and age in a population of retired workers previously occupationally exposed to asbestos. Methods: previously occupationally exposed former workers to asbestos eligible for a survey conducted between 2003 and 2005 in four regions of France, underwent chest CT examinations and pulmonary function testing. Industrial hygienists evaluated asbestos exposure and calculated for each subject a cumulative exposure index (CEI) to asbestos. Smoking status information was also collected in this second round of screening. Expert radiologists performed blinded independent double reading of chest CT-scans and classified interstitial lung abnormalities into: no abnormality, minor interstitial findings, interstitial findings inconsistent with UIP, possible or definite UIP. In addition, emphysema was assessed visually (none, minor: emphysema 50% of the lung). Logistic regression models adjusted for age and smoking were used to assess the relationship between interstitial lung abnormalities and occupational asbestos exposure. Results: the study population consisted of 2157 male subjects. Interstitial lung abnormalities were present in 365 (16.7%) and emphysema in 444 (20.4%). Significant positive association was found between definite or possible UIP pattern and age (OR adjusted =1.08 (95% CI: 1.02–1.13)). No association was found between interstitial abnormalities and CEI or the level of asbestos exposure. Conclusion: presence of interstitial abnormalities at HRCT was associated to aging but not to cumulative exposure index in this cohort of former workers previously occupationally exposed to asbestos.
- Published
- 2021
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